Selective pesticides are characterized by what feature?

Selective pesticides are designed to target specific pests while being harmless to others, including beneficial insects and crops. This characteristic allows for effective pest control without causing widespread harm to non-target species or the surrounding environment.

The selective nature of these pesticides is crucial for integrated pest management practices, as it minimizes disruptions to the ecosystem, preserves beneficial organisms, and reduces the likelihood of developing pesticide resistance in pests. In contrast, options highlighting toxicity to all pests, non-toxicity to crops, or effectiveness solely in certain environments do not accurately represent the principle of selectivity that defines these pesticides.